Free import
• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian external territory. Flights from the Australian mainland go through customs and immigration clearance: no passport or visa is needed, but every passenger (including children) must show photo ID; a passport is preferred. Travelers arriving from outside Australia go through normal Australian customs and immigration procedures and need a passport (and a visa if required).
• Australian customs duty does not apply in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, so no customs duty is charged on goods travelers bring in, including tobacco products, whatever the quantity. Duty-free purchases may be made for travel to and from the islands.
• Visiting yachts must contact the local police on VHF Channel 20 on approach. Passengers and crew must stay on board until clearance is granted and customs and biosecurity procedures are completed.
Currency
• There is no limit on the amount of money you may bring in, but cash and bearer negotiable instruments (such as traveller's cheques, cheques and money orders) with a combined value of AUD 10,000 or more (or the foreign currency equivalent) must be reported when you arrive from another country. Failing to report is an offence.
• There are no ATMs on the islands; bring enough cash. Most businesses on West Island accept credit cards.
Prohibited
• Illegal drugs
• Child abuse material and other objectionable publications, films and games
• Automatic knives (flick knives, switchblades), butterfly knives, concealed blades, knuckle-dusters, extendable batons, pepper spray and hand-held electric shock devices such as Tasers and stun guns, unless an import permit is held
• Tobacco products sent by post
Restricted
• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands have their own biosecurity rules, separate from mainland Australia, to protect their unique wildlife. They apply to all goods brought in, including from the mainland. Animals, plants, food and other biological goods may be brought in only if they meet the Cocos (Keeling) Islands import conditions or are covered by an import permit, granted before the goods leave the mainland. Declare all food, plant material and animal products; fresh produce is inspected by a biosecurity officer on arrival.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables must be for eating only (not for planting) and clean and free from pests and diseases.
• Fresh capsicum, chillies, tomatoes, eggplant, cape gooseberry, pepino, tamarillo and tomatillo bought in Western Australia may be brought only if commercially produced and bought from a retail store (keep the receipt) or fumigated, and packed in a fully enclosed bag or container. Produce from backyard gardens or farmers' markets is not allowed.
• Cats and dogs: under the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands local law on animal control, the Shire may refuse applications to import cats and dogs. An assistance dog may be approved at the Shire's discretion; apply in writing to the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands before you travel.
• Prescription medicines: carry them in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor, and declare them. Some medicines containing controlled substances need a permit from the Office of Drug Control.
• Firearms, ammunition and imitation (replica) firearms need import permission and police confirmation. Declare all weapons.
• Wildlife products, including souvenirs made from endangered (CITES-listed) species, need a permit and are seized without one.